Learn how to manage the human-horse partnership. Study at ARU in Writtle and cover areas such as training, coaching, nutrition and performance.
Horses are complex animals, and supporting their performance requires thoughtful management.
At ARU in Writtle, you’ll explore areas such as training, coaching, health, nutrition, management and the business of equine performance.
By combining scientific knowledge with practical application, you’ll gain a thorough understanding of the principles underpinning horse health and management. You’ll also explore elements such as coaching the rider, saddle fit, behaviour, farriery, managing gait abnormalities and more.
You’ll be based in the Equine Training and Development Centre in Writtle, which offers extensive facilities including a working stable yard, riding arenas and an equine therapy barn. There are around 70 horses on campus, and you’re able to bring your own horse to university too: find out more about our DIY Livery Yard.
As well as our 3-year degree, you have the option of studying over 1 year to gain a Certificate in Higher Education.
Having the ARU Writtle Academy riders and their horses on site, students can see first hand how each horse is trained as an individual depending on their status and discipline
Case study examples are embedded into the delivery in as many scenarios as possible as they are key to giving 'real life' experiences
Learn on our Equine Training and Development Centre, which offers extensive facilities including a working stable yard, riding arenas and an equine therapy barn
Gain a thorough grounding in the scientific principles enhancing horse health and performance
Join our Equine Academy, which supports talented competition riders and provides coaching from UKCC-qualified coaches
Choose one of our DIY livery packages and bring your horse to university while you study
If you study the Cert HE, you'll complete core modules from Year 1 of the BSc (Hons) course.
The following equipment and materials are essential (unless stated otherwise), and you'll be using them from the start of your course. You may have most of these already if you're used to handling horses:
Pens, pencils, paper and folders for note taking, you can also use laptops, tablets, etc.
Scientific calculator
Riding hat or skull cap. This needs to meet current safety standards, indicated here: https://beta-uk.org/hats/
Riding gloves (gloves have to be worn when riding, lunging and leading)
Suitable sturdy footwear – i.e. boots, long or short for yard practicals
Suitable smart clothing (dark coloured plain trousers) for working around horses including waterproofs. Please note: no sleeveless tops, shorts or hoodies are allowed whilst working on the yard. If jeans are worn, they must be smart (no rips or embellishments). This is a working yard with many users and visitors so all clothes must always be smart and professional. Note that piercings must be removed when on the yard. If you have piercings that cannot be removed, please bring tape with you to cover these while you are on the yard.
In addition, students doing modules involving riding (Young Horse Production, Equitation and Equestrian Coaching, Training and Equestrian Enterprise) or those opting to ride as part of their first year will need:
A pair of jodphurs (dark neutral colours)
Riding boots/gaiters/half chaps
Short whip and dressage whip
Body protector (you are not permitted to jump without one); it should conform to the required standards noted here https://beta-uk.org/body-protectors/
Our course team includes industry-experienced staff and practitioners in equine rehabilitation, behaviour, nutrition and breeding, as well as competition riders and UKCC coaches.
You’ll also be able to make full use of facilities including extensive library and IT resources and access support, should you need it, with study skills, careers advice, health and wellbeing, and more.
Equine Academy: support for talented riders
The Equine Academy at ARU Writtle supports a group of competition-level riders every year. It offers training sessions for the rider, stabling for the horse, and access to our equine facilities and experienced support staff.
Academy barn - Writtle students are able to bring their own horses to university with them on DIY livery.
Central track and turnout which leads to our Equine Training and Development Centre
Our Equine Training and Development Centre, home to all things equine and approximately 70 horses.
Horse water treadmill
This is the largest of our arenas (24m x 60m), each of which have a different surface. This allows students to assess the impact of surfaces on equine biomechanics.
Our outdoor arena is 20m x 60m in size and located next to the horse walker.
Tempo arena is one of our indoor arenas, 24m x 55m in size. DIY Livery students have access to all of our facilities when not being used for teaching purposes.
The Therapy Barn is a large teaching space that allows presentations to be shared with students while simultaneously apply their learnt techniques.
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Careers
As a graduate you'll have strong practical and commercial insight, and be ready to contribute positively to equine performance.
Some of the job roles you may consider in the equine industry are:
horse and rider instructor
equine nutrition
show co-ordinator/event manager
equine trainer/educator
competition horse production.
Graduation doesn't have to be the end of your time with us. You might decide to at ARU and study for a Masters, such as our MSc Equine Performance Science.
Entry requirements
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